Devices, systems and methods for repairing lumenal systems

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter and a prosthesis delivery catheter, and also can include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/413,017, filed Jan. 23, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,551, is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/074,517, filed Nov. 7, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,817, issued Jan. 24, 2017, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/723,734, filed Nov. 7, 2012. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/240,793, filed Sep. 22, 2011, now abandoned, International Application No. PCT/US2013/28774, filed Mar. 2, 2013, and International Application No. PCT/US2011/59586, filed Nov. 7, 2011. The entire contents of each of the above referenced patent applications is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Heart valves permit unidirectional flow of blood through the cardiac chambers to permit the heart to function as a pump. Valvular stenosis is one form of valvular heart disease that prevents blood from flowing through a heart valve, ultimately causing clinically significant heart failure in humans. Another form of valvular disease results from heart valves becoming incompetent. Failure of adequate heart valve closure permits blood to leak through the valve in the opposite direction to normal flow. Such reversal of flow through incompetent heart valves can cause heart failure in humans.

The human mitral valve is a complicated structure affected by a number of pathological processes that ultimately result in valvular incompetence and heart failure in humans. Components of the mitral valve include the left ventricle, left atrium, anterior and posterior papillary muscles, mitral annulus, anterior mitral leaflet, posterior mitral leaflet and numerous chordae tendonae. The anterior leaflet occupies roughly ⅔ of the mitral valve area whereas the smaller posterior leaflet occupies ⅓ of the area. The anterior mitral leaflet, however, hangs from the anterior ⅓ of the perimeter of the mitral annulus whereas the posterior mitral leaflet occupies ⅔ of the annulus circumference. Furthermore, the posterior mitral leaflet is often anatomically composed of three separate segments. In diastole, the anterior leaflet and the three posterior leaflets are pushed into the left ventricle opening. In systole, the leaflets are pushed toward the plane of the mitral annulus where the posterior leaflets and larger anterior leaflet come into coaptation to prevent blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium. The leaflets are held in this closed position by the chordae tendonae. Dysfunction or failure of one or more of these mitral components may cause significant mitral valvular regurgitation and clinical disease in humans.

Surgical treatment has been the gold standard since its introduction in the 1950s. Currently, there are two surgical options offered for treatment. The first, mitral valve replacement, requires complex surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass to replace the mitral valve using a mechanical or bioprosthetic valvular prosthesis. Although a time-tested and proven strategy for treatment, bioprostheic valves suffer from poor long-term durability and mechanical valves require anticoagulation. As an alternative, surgical mitral valve repair has emerged as a superior procedure to achieve mitral valve competence and normal function. This operation is really a collection of surgical techniques and prostheses that collectively are referred to a mitral valve repair. Each component of the mitral valve can be altered, replaced, repositioned, resected or reinforced to achieve mitral valve competence.

Mitral annuloplasty has become a standard component of surgical mitral valve repair. In performing this procedure, the circumference of the mitral valve annulus is reduced and/or reshaped by sewing or fixing a prosthetic ring or partial ring to the native mitral valve annulus. As a consequence of mitral annuloplasty, the posterior mitral leaflet often becomes fixed in a closed position, pinned against the posterior left ventricular endocardium. The opening and closure of the mitral valve is subsequently based almost entirely on the opening and closing of the anterior mitral valve leaflet.

SUMMARY

The purpose and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in and become apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosure, as embodied herein, in one aspect, the disclosure includes a tether delivery catheter for delivering an anchored tether to an anatomical location. The tether delivery catheter includes an elongate torqueable drive shaft having a proximal end that can have a first handle attached thereto and a distal end having a coupling for receiving an anchor. The tether delivery catheter further includes an anchor received in a torqueable relationship with the coupling of the distal end of the elongate torqueable drive shaft. The anchor has an anchoring portion to be advanced into an anatomical location, and at least one elongate tether extending proximally from the anchor toward the first handle. The tether delivery catheter further includes an outer tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body surrounding the elongate torqueable drive shaft. The outer tubular member can include a handle near or at its proximal end. The second handle is preferably rotatable with respect to the first handle about a central axis of the catheter to permit the anchor and elongate torqueable drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the outer tubular member.

If desired, the anchor can include a single tether, or a plurality of tethers, such as two tethers. When a plurality of tethers is provided, a loading needle can be provided that is disposed on a proximal end of the tethers to facilitate routing the tethers through the tether delivery catheter prior to use. The anchoring portion of the anchor can include a helical thread, for example, among other suitable retaining structures. The anchoring portion can be anchored into tissue by rotating the first handle with respect to the second handle while urging the anchor against the tissue. When a helical anchoring portion is provided, this relative rotation can effectuate implantation of the anchoring portion.

In further accordance with the disclosure, a prosthesis delivery catheter or system and a prosthesis are also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, this catheter/system can include an elongate inner body having a proximal portion and a distal tip. The distal tip includes a first proximally extending tubular member having a freely floating proximal end. The first proximally extending tubular member and elongate inner body cooperate to define a first substantially annular chamber. The catheter/system further includes an elongate tubular outer body having a proximal portion and a distal end. The elongate tubular outer body can be disposed about a proximal region of the elongate inner body.

The elongate tubular outer body can be axially displaceable with respect to the elongate inner body. The distal end of the elongate tubular outer body can be configured to substantially abut the proximal end of the first proximally extending tubular member. A distal region of the elongate tubular outer body and the proximal region of the elongate inner body can cooperate to define a second substantially annular chamber. The first and second chambers can cooperate to define a prosthesis chamber for receiving a compressed prosthesis.

The catheter/system can further be provided with a preloaded compressed prosthesis disposed about the elongate inner body in the prosthesis chamber. The compressed prosthesis can have at least one rail eyelet for receiving a flexible rail. The at least one rail eyelet can extend radially outwardly through a juncture defined between the distal end of the elongate tubular outer body and the proximal end of the first proximally extending tubular member. The compressed prosthesis can be configured to expand radially outwardly when the elongate inner body is advanced distally with respect to the elongate tubular outer body. The elongate inner body and tubular outer body can be withdrawn proximally through a lumen defined by the prosthesis after deployment of the prosthesis without needing to disturb the prosthesis or anything in physical contact with the prosthesis.

In some implementations, the catheter/system can further include a radiopaque marker mounted on the system proximate the prosthesis chamber, such as on the first proximally extending tubular member overlapping a central region of the prosthesis chamber. If desired, the compressed prosthesis can include a plurality of rail eyelets, wherein each rail eyelet is configured to receive a flexible rail. In some implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include two rail eyelets, wherein each rail eyelet is configured to receive a flexible rail.

In various implementations, the compressed prosthesis includes a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wall that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can also include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion is preferably configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can include at least one independently articulable anchor biased to extend radially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion to urge against the ventricular side of the mitral annulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. The prosthesis can also include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, the at least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In some implementations, the prosthesis can include a plurality of independently articulable anchors biased to extend radially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion to urge against the ventricular side of the mitral annulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. If desired, the prosthesis can include a fabric spanning across a framework of the prosthesis.

In other implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wall that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can also include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can include at least one downwardly extending pole for permitting attachment of a tissue valve. The prosthesis can similarly include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body. The at least one prosthetic valve leaflet can be configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In further implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wall having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and defining a first circumferential gap therebetween. The generally tubular upper portion can be biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can further include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by a generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion and has a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end separated by a second circumferential gap therebetween. The prosthesis can further include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, the at least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In further implementations, the prosthesis can include an inflatable bladder disposed in the generally tubular lower portion of the prosthesis. The inflatable bladder can being configured to be inflatable so as to facilitate adjustment of the prosthesis, such as during installation.

The disclosure further provides a lock deployment catheter having a proximal end and a distal end for delivering a deployable lock over a tether to an anatomical location. The catheter includes an outer tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate tubular body defining a lumen therethrough, and an inner elongate member disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member. The inner elongate member can include a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body. The catheter can further include a deployable lock disposed in a distal region of the lumen of the outer tubular member. The deployable lock can be configured to be pushed distally out of the outer tubular member by displacing the inner elongate member distally with respect to the outer tubular member. The catheter can also include an elongate removable snare having a proximal end and a distal end with a hook configured to capture a filament. The snare can be routed along a path through the distal end of the lock deployment catheter, the lock and at least a portion of the outer tubular member. The snare can be configured to capture a filament and pull the filament along the path and out of a proximal portion of the catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include an axial compressive limit spring for biasing the inner elongate member in a proximal direction with respect to the outer tubular member. The inner elongate member can include a first handle disposed at the proximal end thereof and the outer tubular member can include a second handle disposed at the proximal end thereof. The limit spring can be compressed and the lock can be released when the handles are pushed together along a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include a lock housing disposed in the distal region of the outer tubular member. The lock housing can be configured to selectively receive the deployable lock. The lock can include a body with a first bore defined therein that is parallel to the lumen of the outer tubular member for receiving the snare therethrough, and a second bore oriented obliquely with respect to the first bore for receiving a spring loaded retainer. The spring loaded retainer can be in a first compressed state when the deployable lock is disposed in the outer tubular member. The spring loaded retainer can expand out of the second bore when the lock is urged distally outwardly of the catheter.

In some implementations, the lock can urge against the snare prior to pulling the filament through the catheter. If desired, the path can pass through an orifice formed in the spring loaded retainer.

The disclosure also provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter as described herein and a prosthesis delivery catheter as described herein. The system can also include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosure. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments will become more apparent and may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary placement of an active rail fixation anchor/screw for both partial and full mitral valve replacement from a sub-annulus view of mitral valve region.

FIG. 2(a) illustrates an exemplary articulating anchor and rail delivery system.

FIG. 2(b) illustrates an exemplary single rail tether and anchor.

FIG. 2(c) illustrates an exemplary double rail tether joined by a needle at a proximal end with an anchor, permitting the loading needle to be cut and the two ends of tethers for each anchor to be knotted and advanced to the surgical site to obviate the need for a lock.

FIG. 3(a) illustrates advancing an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve (full or partial replacement) delivery system over a rail or tether to the mitral region.

FIG. 3(b) illustrates a closer view of advancing an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve (full or partial replacement) delivery system over rails toward a mitral valve.

FIG. 3(c) illustrates advancement of an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve (full or partial replacement) delivery system over only rails anchored at location P2.

FIG. 3(d) illustrates advancing an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve (full or partial replacement) delivery system over rails to the mitral valve.

FIG. 3(e) illustrates deploying an exemplary prosthesis valve (full replacement) delivery system over active rails to the mitral valve.

FIG. 3(f) illustrates an exemplary deployed full prosthesis over guide rails, wherein the prosthesis is in place, ready to be locked in place with locks.

FIG. 3(g) illustrates deploying an exemplary prosthesis (partial replacement) delivery system over rails.

FIG. 3(h) illustrates an exemplary prosthesis with a tissue cover that coapts against a native anterior leaflet.

FIG. 3(i) illustrates an exemplary deployed partial prosthesis over guide rails, wherein the prosthesis is in place and ready to be secured.

FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) illustrate different views of an exemplary prosthesis delivery system with a prosthesis.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates an exemplary locking catheter.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates an exemplary lock for the locking catheter.

FIG. 6(a) illustrates an exemplary lock delivery system with lock and snare for threading a guide rail through the lock and delivery system.

FIG. 6(b) illustrates an exemplary lock released in place with the delivery catheter removed from a left ventricular (“LV”) view.

FIG. 6(c) illustrates an exemplary procedure completed using a partial mitral valve replacement prosthesis, LV view.

FIG. 6(d) illustrates an exemplary procedure using a full prosthesis, LV view.

FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) illustrate an exemplary full retrievable partially compliant prosthesis with a tissue cover (partial replacement) delivered with guide rails anchored a locations P1, P2 and P3.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an exemplary full replacement prosthesis with self expanding anchors.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary guide rail based prosthesis delivery technique using a percutaneous approach that permits delivery and fixation of a prosthesis to the top of mitral annulus while preserving the native leaflets and sub-annulus anatomy.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary guide rail based prosthesis delivery technique using an apical approach through the left ventricle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the disclosed embodiments will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for repairing or replacing elements of the mitral valve, but it will be appreciated that similar approaches can be used to deliver other prostheses, such as lumenal stents, by providing the stent with at least one guide loop that extends outside of the delivery system so as to accept a guide rail. This can be particularly useful when delivering stents to lumenal locations that experience strong flow or pressure gradients and/or reversal in blood flow. Exemplary elements of the valve prosthesis include the device frame, prosthetic posterior mitral leaflet equivalent and elements to prevent or reduce abnormal prolapse of the native anterior mitral leaflet during systole. Exemplary methods of implanting the valve prosthesis include direct open surgical placement, minimally invasive surgical placement either with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, and totally catheter based implantation. Exemplary methods for maintaining the valve prosthesis in the preferred mitral annular location include external compression, compression following rail or suture guided implantation and seating with subsequent active or passive fixation of the valve prosthesis based upon the rail or suture guides.

FIG. 1. illustrates placement of an active rail fixation anchor/screw for both partial and full mitral valve replacement from a sub-annulus view of mitral valve 300 region. Posterior sub-annulus and posterior leaflet fixation locations and numbers can vary depending on fixation requirements and prosthesis design. Should be from commissure to commissure along the posterior sub-annulus and posterior leaflet. Preferably P2 or P1 and P3.

Anchor Delivery Catheter

In accordance with a first aspect, the disclosure includes an anchor and tether delivery catheter for delivering an anchored tether to an anatomical location.

For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, as illustrated in FIGS. 2(a)-2(c), a tether delivery catheter 100 is provided that includes an elongate torqueable drive shaft 320 having a proximal end 102 that can have a first handle 322 attached thereto and a distal end 104 having a coupling or holding chamber 316 for receiving an anchor. The tether delivery catheter 100 further includes an anchor 312 received in a torqueable relationship with the coupling 316 of the distal end 104 of the elongate torqueable drive shaft 320. As shown in FIG. 2a , the anchor 312 has an anchoring portion to be advanced into an anatomical location, and at least one elongate tether 302 extending proximally from the anchor 312 toward the first handle 322. As shown in FIG. 2A, the tether delivery catheter 100 further includes an outer tubular member 318 having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body (not shown) surrounding the elongate torqueable drive shaft 320. The outer tubular member 318 can include a handle 106 near or at its proximal end, as illustrated. The second handle 106 is preferably rotatable with respect to the first handle about a central axis of the catheter to permit the anchor 312 and elongate torqueable drive shaft 320 to be rotated with respect to the outer tubular member 318.

If desired, the anchor 312 can include a single tether 302 as illustrated in FIG. 2(a), or a plurality of tethers 324, such as two tethers as illustrated in FIG. 2(c). When a plurality of tethers 324 is provided, a loading needle 326 can be provided that is disposed on a proximal end 328 of the tethers 302 to facilitate routing the tethers through the tether delivery catheter 100 prior to use. The anchoring portion of the anchor 312 can include a helical thread as illustrated, for example, among other suitable retaining structures. The anchoring portion can be anchored into tissue by rotating the first handle 322 with respect to the second handle 106 while urging the anchor 312 against the tissue. When a helical anchoring portion is provided, this relative rotation can effectuate implantation of the anchoring portion. This yields the arrangement in FIG. 1 wherein the anchors and tethers are attached to the mitral annulus 300. With these rails in place, a prosthesis can be threaded over the rail(s) and delivered to the mitral annulus. The tether(s) can include, in some implementations, a hollow braided suture material including a radiopaque core material inserted along its length such as a high density radiopaque fluoropolymer, radiopaque HDPE material, or other suitable radiopaque material.

Prosthesis Delivery Catheter

In further accordance with the disclosure as illustrated in FIGS. 3(a)-4(c), a prosthesis delivery catheter or system and a prosthesis are provided. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b), in an exemplary embodiment, this catheter/system can include an elongate inner body 398 (FIG. 4b ) having a proximal portion and a distal tip 358. The distal tip 358 includes a first proximally extending tubular member 393 having a freely floating proximal end. The first proximally extending tubular member 393 and elongate inner body 395 cooperate to define a first substantially annular chamber 392. The catheter/system further includes an elongate tubular outer body 320 having a proximal portion and a distal end. The elongate tubular outer body 320 can be disposed about a proximal region of the elongate inner body 395.

The elongate tubular outer body 320 can be axially displaceable with respect to the elongate inner body 395. The distal end of the elongate tubular outer body 320 can be configured to substantially abut the proximal end of the first proximally extending tubular member 393. A distal region of the elongate tubular outer body 320 and the proximal region of the elongate inner body 395 can cooperate to define a second substantially annular chamber 396. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) The first and second chambers 392, 396 can cooperate to define a prosthesis chamber 338 for receiving a compressed prosthesis 401.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the catheter/system can further be provided with a preloaded compressed prosthesis 401 disposed about the elongate inner body 395 in the prosthesis chamber 338. The compressed prosthesis 401 can have at least one rail eyelet 336 for receiving a flexible rail. The at least one rail eyelet 336 can extend radially outwardly through a juncture defined between the distal end of the elongate tubular outer body and the proximal end of the first proximally extending tubular member. The compressed prosthesis 401 can be configured to expand radially outwardly when the elongate inner body 398 is advanced distally with respect to the elongate tubular outer body 320. The elongate inner body 398 and tubular outer body 320 can be withdrawn proximally through a lumen defined by the prosthesis after deployment of the prosthesis without needing to disturb the prosthesis or anything in physical contact with the prosthesis.

In some implementations, and as shown in FIG. 4(a) the catheter/system can further include a radiopaque marker 394 mounted on the system proximate the prosthesis chamber 338, such as on the first proximally extending tubular member 393 overlapping a central region of the prosthesis chamber 338. As shown in FIG. 4(c), if desired, the compressed prosthesis 401 can include a plurality of rail eyelets 336, wherein each rail eyelet 336 is configured to receive a flexible rail. In some implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include two rail eyelets 336, wherein each rail eyelet is configured to receive a flexible rail.

In various implementations as illustrated in the Figures, the compressed prosthesis 400 includes a generally tubular body 320 adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. As shown in FIG. 3(e), the tubular body 320 can have a generally tubular upper portion (e.g., 368) adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus 363. The generally tubular upper portion 368 can have a first circumferential wall 365 that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue 367 of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall 365 can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions 369 configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus 363. As shown in FIG. 3(c) and FIG. 3(f), the prosthesis can also include a generally tubular lower portion 371 extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion 368. The generally tubular lower portion 371 is preferably configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus 363. The tubular lower portion 371 can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion 368. The generally tubular lower portion 371 can include at least one independently articulable anchor 348 biased to extend radially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion 371 to urge against the ventricular side of the mitral annulus 363 to prevent the prosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. The prosthesis can also include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, the at least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In some implementations (all illustrated embodiments and in FIG. 8(a)), the prosthesis can include a plurality of independently articulable anchors 454 biased to extend radially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion to urge against the ventricular side of the mitral annulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. As shown in FIG. 3(g) and FIG. 3(h), if desired, the prosthesis can include a fabric 378 spanning across a framework of the prosthesis.

In other implementations (e.g., FIG. 8(b), 3(c), 3(f)), the compressed prosthesis 401 can include a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wall that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can also include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can include at least one downwardly extending pole 468 for permitting attachment of a tissue valve. The prosthesis can similarly include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body. The at least one prosthetic valve leaflet can be configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

Exemplary Prostheses

In further implementations (e.g., FIGS. 3(g)-3(i), 7(b). 7(c)), and as described above, the compressed prosthesis can include a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wall having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and defining a first circumferential gap therebetween. The generally tubular upper portion can be biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality of independently articulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can further include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by a generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion and has a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end separated by a second circumferential gap therebetween. The prosthesis can further include at least one prosthetic valve leaflet 382 disposed within the tubular body, the at least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In further implementations (e.g., FIG. 7(a)), the prosthesis can include an inflatable bladder disposed in the generally tubular lower portion of the prosthesis. The inflatable bladder can being configured to be inflatable so as to facilitate adjustment of the prosthesis, such as during installation.

Lock Deployment Catheter

The disclosure further provides a lock deployment catheter (see FIGS. 5, 6) having a proximal end and a distal end for delivering a deployable lock 400 over a guide tether to an anatomical location. The catheter 500 (FIG. 5(a)) includes an outer tubular member 404 having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate tubular body 405 defining a lumen therethrough, and an inner elongate member (not shown) disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member 404. The inner elongate member can include a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body. The catheter can further include a deployable lock 400 disposed in a distal region of the lumen of the outer tubular member 404. The deployable lock 400 can be configured to be pushed distally out of the outer tubular member 404 by displacing the inner elongate member distally with respect to the outer tubular member 404. In FIG. 6(a), the catheter 500 can also include an elongate removable snare 422 having a proximal end and a distal end with a hook configured to capture a filament. The snare 422 can be routed along a path through the distal end of the lock deployment catheter 500, the lock 400 and at least a portion of the outer tubular member 404. As illustrated in FIG. 6(a), the snare 422, and hence guide rail 402, can pass through the distal end of the lock catheter along a proximal direction and outside of the catheter though a hole in the outer wall of the catheter. The snare can 422 be configured to capture a filament and pull the filament along the path and out of a proximal portion of the catheter.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), if desired, the lock deployment catheter 500 can further include an axial compressive limit spring 408 for biasing the inner elongate member in a proximal direction with respect to the outer tubular member 404. The inner elongate member can include a first handle 410 disposed at the proximal end thereof and the outer tubular member can include a second handle 406 disposed at the proximal end thereof. The limit spring can be compressed and the lock can be released when the handles are pushed together along a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include a lock housing 403 disposed in the distal region of the outer tubular member. The lock housing 403 can be configured to selectively receive the deployable lock 400. As illustrated in FIG. 5(b), the lock 400 can include a body 402 with a first bore defined therein that is parallel to the lumen of the outer tubular member 404 for receiving the snare 422 therethrough, and a second bore oriented obliquely with respect to the first bore for receiving a spring loaded retainer 412. The spring loaded retainer 412 can be in a first compressed state when the deployable lock 400 is disposed in the outer tubular member 404. The spring loaded retainer 412 can expand out of the second bore when the lock is urged distally outwardly of the catheter.

In some implementations, the lock can urge against the snare prior to pulling the filament through the catheter. If desired, the path can pass through an orifice 409 formed in the spring loaded retainer.

Systems, Kits and Delivery Methods

The disclosure also provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter as described herein and a prosthesis delivery catheter as described herein. The system can also include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates a percutaneous approach using the devices illustrated herein. FIG. 10 describes an apical approach. The methods themselves are described in further detail in International Application No. PCT/US2011/59586, filed Nov. 7, 2011 which are incorporated by reference herein above.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improved techniques for treating mitral valves of patients. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the devices, methods and systems of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the subject disclosure and equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tether delivery catheter for delivering an anchored tether to an anatomical location, comprising: a) an elongate torqueable drive shaft having a proximal end with a first handle attached thereto and a distal end having a coupling for receiving an anchor; b) an anchor received in a torqueable relationship with the coupling of the distal end of the elongate torqueable drive shaft, the anchor having an anchoring portion to be advanced into an anatomical location, and at least one elongate tether extending proximally from the anchor toward the first handle terminating in a loading needle; and c) an outer tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body surrounding the elongate torqueable drive shaft, the outer tubular member including a handle proximate its proximal end, the second handle being rotatable with respect to the first handle about a central axis of the catheter to permit the anchor and elongate torqueable drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the outer tubular member.
 2. The tether delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a single tether.
 3. The tether delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a plurality of tethers.
 4. The tether delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes two tethers.
 5. The tether delivery catheter of claim 4, wherein the loading needle is disposed on a proximal end of the tethers.
 6. The tether delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein the anchoring portion of the anchor includes a helical thread, and wherein the anchoring portion can be anchored into tissue by rotating the first handle with respect to the second handle while urging the anchor against the tissue. 